Florida Invests Millions to Acquire Nearly 20,000 Acres for Conservation

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida invested millions of dollars for almost 20,000 acres that will be used for conservation purposes.

The Florida Cabinet Tuesday invested more than $56 million to acquire seven properties across the state. More than 98% are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The corridor is a designated network of connected lands for wildlife habitat.

“Acquiring lands for conservation and recreation is a top priority for my administration,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “Conservation of these key properties will forever benefit water quality, rare wildlife habitats and corridor linkages, as well as support Florida’s ever-growing economy.”

The state acquired:

– 768 acres within the Wolfe Creek Florida Forever Project in Santa Rosa County

– A conservation easement will cover 11,958 acres within the Horse Creek Ranch Florida Forever Project in DeSoto and Hardee counties. 

– A 376-acre property within the St. Joe Timberland Florida Forever Project in Franklin County (within the Florida Wildlife Corridor)

– A conservation easement of 1,882 acres within the Fisheating Creek Ecosystem Florida Forever Project in Highlands County (within the Florida Wildlife Corridor)

– Conservation easements of 3,634 and 615 acres within the Kissimmee-St. Johns River Connector Florida Forever Project (within the Florida Wildlife Corridor)

– A conservation easement covering 663 acres within the Lake Wales Ridge Florida Forever Project (within the Florida Wildlife Corridor)

“These projects will provide protection to imperiled species and connectivity for recreational and wildlife corridors and will support the preservation of Florida’s natural landscapes for future generations. We also appreciate our many agency and community partners who helped to make these projects possible,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Shawn Hamilton.